Putin's Pokrovsk campaign fails as Russia loses territory Hamish de Bretton-Gordon

[Torchlight]

1. Putin is attempting Verdun-style "tactics"

that is to say, he's simply trying to bleed Ukraine faster than his own blood loss. von Falkenhayn's strategy backfired though, leading directly to the Kaiser's defeat 18 months later. Ukraine's defense though has been effective, denied maneuver space to Russian forces, has remained mobile, free from any air interdiction, and has held its marks.

I think part of the Kremlin’s strategy has shifted toward psychological and information warfare, trying to exaggerate “success” to Western audiences to push for a negotiated settlement. It's worked on trump, but no one else of consequence. I think this shift is a tell on the part of Moscow as well... a sign that they have resigned themselves to (at best) a negotiated settlement rather than military victory.